Category: Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington has been officially targeted to become New Zealand’s first predator-free city.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka made the announcement as part of the Predator Free 2050 strategy update today. It’s the first update of the strategy since the goal’s launch in 2016 under John Key’s National-led government.

Predator Free Wellington will receive $5.5 million over five years from the Department of Conservation (DOC) and will work alongside Capital Kiwi and Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne.

“This is a coordinated push across the whole city. Practical action that people will notice in their neighbourhoods, with more native species returning and thriving,” said Potaka.

The operation will target predators over 18,500 hectares. Potaka said increasing native wildlife would create opportunities for conservation-based tourism for the city.

Potaka hopes the goal will be achieved within a decade, and for the work done in Wellington to become a blueprint for efforts to eliminate predators from other large urban areas. If successful, it would mean the complete elimination of rats, possums, stoats, ferrets, weasels and feral cats from the greater Wellington region.

He listed Auckland, Taranaki and Dunedin as other places where lessons learnt in Wellington could be applied.

Country-wide, more than 9000 groups work to control predators.

“Nearly a third of New Zealanders are now directly involved. Which means for many households, predator control is now somewhere between a hobby and a competitive sport,” said Potaka.

However, some of those efforts were fragmented, which needed to change.

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world, Potaka said.

“As Minister of Conservation, I am not interested in managing decline. I am interested in reversing it.”

Other changes in the updated strategy include the addition of feral cats to the species targeted, joining possums, rats, and mustelids, such as ferrets, stoats and weasels. The addition was announced after RNZ reporting that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had promised during a 2023 election debate to add feral cats but failed to do so.

The strategy included information on how to determine whether a cat is a feral, stray or companion cat. Only feral cats will be targeted.

Potaka did not confirm if new rules, such as requiring domestic cats to be microchipped, would be introduced, although he said there is interest amongst some MPs in Wellington. He said if this happens it would be separate to predator free work.

Mice and hedgehogs have been added to a research list. They have a significant impact on native wildlife, particularly threatened lizard and invertebrate species, including wētā. Tools for humane removal of these species will be investigated and they may be included in the target species list in future.

The cash behind the goal

Other than the $5.5m for Wellington, no other funding announcements were made.

“There is huge funding which is channeled through DOC, whether or not it’s baseline, or through the IVL (International Visitor Levy) that contributes to Predator Free, but also there’s significant philanthropic, iwi, local community, local council support.”

He said projects were not short of funding, but that good collaboration was needed.

When Predator Free 2050 was launched in 2016, a company was created to manage projects related to the goal. It was given $28m over four years to be put toward predator control projects and technological advancements.

Last year the government disestablished the company, bringing all current contracts under the Department of Conservation. This was intended to reduce duplication between DOC and the Predator Free 2050 company and save the government $12.6m in operating costs over four years. A Cabinet paper said the company had failed to attract philanthropic funding.

An Official Information Act response shows 20 contracts ended, or are due to end in 2026, with a total value of $31.7m. Another 17 finish in 2027, with total funding of $63.4m.

These include contracts for projects such as Te Korowai o Waiheke, which aims to eradicate stoats from Waiheke Island and Predator Free Whangārei’s goal to eliminate possums.

Some of these projects attract funding from a variety of sources, and make use of volunteers.

Potaka said future funding will be “weighed up” across priorities within DOC. Decisions would be based on performance, readiness and alignment with the updated strategy.

One of the key actions in the strategy update is to develop long-term partnerships to fund Predator Free 2050.

It also lays out a series of milestone achievements on the way to the goal of Predator Free 2050.

By 2030:

• Cost-effective and adaptable blueprints for elimination are developed for both urban and rural environments.

By 2035:

• The Sub-Antarctic World Heritage Area is completely free from mammalian pests through the completion of Maukahuka Pest Free Auckland Island.

By 2040:

• Mammalian pests are eliminated from at least 5 million of New Zealand’s 8.5 million hectares of backcountry and their pest-free status is maintained.
• Stoats are eradicated from Waiheke Island, providing a proof of concept for urban and rural stoat elimination, where aerial bait cannot be used.
• Mammalian pests are eliminated from at least 1 million hectares across rural and urban areas and their pest-free status is maintained.

By 2045:

By 2050:

• The final urban eradication operation in New Zealand’s most populated city is close to completion.
• New Zealand is a global leader in predator management and has a significant economic market in providing tools and advice to the world

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Up to 320mm of rain could fall in Northland in 48 hours from 4pm this afternoon, MetService is warning.

A number of other watches and warnings are in place across the country in what MetService is calling an “impactful” weather event.

MetService meteorologist John Law said the heaviest rainfall was expected from Northland to Bay of Plenty and its intensity and duration would bring “threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding, and slips”.

“A red warning signifies that people need to act now as immediate action is required to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather. People should also be prepared to follow the advice of official authorities and emergency services,” he said in a statement.

How’s the weather looking at your place? Email us at iwitness@rnz.co.nz

It was the third red level warning MetService had issued this year.

Conditions would disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities, it said.

The remainder of Northland is under an orange level rain warning with 150mm to 250mm of rain forecast over the same period.

MetService said there was a high chance this will be upgraded to a red level warning.

Thunderstorms are possible in the area on Thursday afternoon, it said.

MetService said the escalation to a red warning came as a deep area of low pressure from the sub-tropics approached New Zealand.

“In addition to the heavy rain, this is likely to be a multi-hazard event spanning several days with heavy rain, strong winds and large waves also expected.”

Orange level heavy rain warnings are also in place for Great Barrier Island, Auckland from Whangaparaoa northwards and Coromandel Peninsula from the early hours of Thursday morning and into Friday.

In Bay of Plenty, west of Whakatāne, an orange warning is also in place with up to 250mm of rain forecast from 9am on Thursday until 3am on Saturday.

Tauranga City Council said there was an increased risk of landslides given the recent weather.

Eight people – six at Mount Maunganui and two at Pāpāmoa – died in slips during heavy rain earlier this year.

The council said if a landslide occurred or anyone who spotted signs of ground movement should evacuate immediately. If lives were at risk call 111, it said.

The rain may cause surface flooding and rapidly rising streams and rivers so people should avoid low-lying areas and be cautious, it said.

The council said its team would be available 24/7 and people could call 07 577 7000 to report an issue.

Orange level strong wind warnings are in place for Northland from 9pm Wednesday until 11pm on Thursday and for Auckland and Great Barrier Island from 8am Thursday until 1am Friday with 120km/h gusts forecast.

South Island warnings

In the South Island, orange level heavy rain warnings are in place for Tasman west of Motueka from 10am Thursday to midday Friday and Richmond and the Bryant Ranges from 6pm Thursday to midday Friday.

Meteorologist Silvia Martino said the impacts might not be seen right away.

“This will be a long event, it carries on for a couple of days, so while we might not get to warning amounts [today], we are expecting over time that rain to build up to warning levels.”

Earlier on Wednesday, she explained forecasters would be working with local authorities to determine if a red warning was needed.

“The decision about whether to go to a red warning is one that’s made based on what the impacts are likely to be.

“What our expert forecasters will be doing is talking to the council, talking to people on the ground about what the impacts are expected to be from the amount of rain we’re forecasting, and then together they’ll make the decision about whether a red warning is appropriate.

“With the heavy rain, we’re looking out for the risk of surface flooding, of possibly areas being cut off, and reminding people to avoid floodwaters. If you can avoid travel then that’s for the best.”

Clear the gutters, put anything away that could be a source of danger from wind, Martino said.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Business owners around Northland’s east coast are hunkering down for what promises to be a wet and wild few days.

Anthony “Vinnie” Pivac, the owner of Zane Grey’s Restaurant on the Paihia waterfront, said the predicted 50 knot easterly gusts could be damaging – but it was the sea he was keeping a close eye on.

When Cyclone Gabrielle caused $100,000 worth of damage and lost contracts in 2023, that came down to a combination of strong winds and a 7-metre swell.

So far the swell was forecast to reach just 2.5m, he said.

“If it had swell behind this easterly then I would be panicking, but it’s not going to be too bad. On the flip side of things, we’re just going to have today and tomorrow of horrendous rain and no customers,” he said.

“But for now we’re sitting cosy. I’m going to sit here, have a few beers and see what happens on either side of the tide.”

However, Pivac said he would keep monitoring the forecast and was not taking anything for granted.

“Mate, we’re in New Zealand, so the weather changes every five minutes.”

MetService has issued a red rain warning for Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangārei on Wednesday morning with up to 320mm of rain now expected by Friday morning.

Any time the swell reached 4m he removed parts of the decking around the restaurant to reduce the impact of the waves, but that was not necessary at this point.

Pivac said the most damaging winds for Paihia were northeasterlies. Easterly winds were bad if they coincided with big swells.

“Anything from the north, it’s hold onto your britches,” he said.

The next high tides were due in the Bay of Islands around 1.20pm on Wednesday and 2am and 2.20pm on Thursday.

Power cuts a concern

Meanwhile, Richard Holt, the owner of Cellini’s Ice Cream and Espresso Bar on nearby Williams Road, said power cuts caused by wild weather were the biggest threat to his business.

He had invested in a bunker freezer to keep ice cream cold in the event of a serious power outage – but if it lasted more than eight or nine hours, he would still lose his stock.

Holt said he did not expect to sell many ice creams in Paihia today but there had been plenty of demand for coffee this morning.

Further down the east coast in Ōakura, in the Whangārei District, residents still recovering from the devastating January storm are preparing for more rain.

That deluge swept through multiple homes and baches, triggered landslides, and severely damaged the newly renovated Ōakura Community Hall.

The Whangārei District Council had planned to hold a public meeting on Thursday afternoon to update locals on storm recovery efforts.

That meeting had now been postponed until 6pm on Tuesday at the Ōakura Sports Complex.

The main road from Ōakura south to Whangārei remained closed due to a massive slip at Helena Bay Hill, and eight homes and buildings were still red-stickered, meaning they were too dangerous to enter.

Warning lifted to red

MetService has raised its orange warning to the highest level of red on Wednesday morning.

Up to 320mm of rain could fall in Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangārei from 3pm on Wednesday to 4am on Friday, MetService is warning.

The remainder of Northland is under an orange level rain warning with 150mm to 250mm of rain forecast over the same period.

Red Rain Warning issued for Northland

Significant rainfall is expected for Northland over the next two days with 270-320 mm of rain expected for eastern areas. There is the potential for downpours from training bands of very heavy rain from Thursday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/9VRVMQNN1K

— MetService NZ (@MetService) March 24, 2026

The agency warned Northlanders to expect 270mm to 320mm of rain over the next two days.

The rain was likely to cause dangerous river conditions, flooding and slips. Driving conditions would be dangerous and road closures were expected.

Northland was also subject to a strong wind watch for 33 hours from ppm on Wednesday to 11pm on Thursday.

Severe east to northeast gales were possible in exposed places.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Up to 320mm of rain could fall in Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangārei from 3pm on Wednesday to 4am on Friday, MetService is warning.

MetService is calling it an “impactful” weather event.

It said there could be a threat to life from dangerous river conditions, along with significant flooding and slips. Conditions will disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities, it said.

The remainder of Northland is under an orange level rain warning with 150mm to 250mm of rain forecast over the same period.

How’s the weather looking at your place? Email us at iwitness@rnz.co.nz

MetService said there was a high chance this will be upgraded to a red level warning.

Thunderstorms are possible in the area of Thursday afternoon, it said.

Red Rain Warning issued for Northland

Significant rainfall is expected for Northland over the next two days with 270-320 mm of rain expected for eastern areas. There is the potential for downpours from training bands of very heavy rain from Thursday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/9VRVMQNN1K

— MetService NZ (@MetService) March 24, 2026

Orange level heavy rain warnings are also in place for Great Barrier Island, Auckland from Whangaparaoa northwards and Coromandel Peninsula from the early hours of Thursday morning and into Friday.

In Bay of Plenty, west of Whakatāne, an orange warning is also in place with up to 250mm of rain forecast from 9am on Thursday until 3am on Saturday.

Orange level strong wind warnings are in place for Northland from 9pm Wednesday until 11pm on Thursday and for Auckland and Great Barrier Island from 8am Thursday until 1am Friday.

In the South Island, orange level heavy rain warnings are in place for Tasman west of Motueka from 10am Thursday to midday Friday and Richmond and the Bryant Ranges from 6pm Thursday to midday Friday.

Meteorologist Silvia Martino said the impacts might not be seen right away.

“This will be a long event, it carries on for a couple of days, so while we might not get to warning amounts [today], we are expecting over time that rain to build up to warning levels.”

She explained forecasters would be working with local authorities to determine if a red warning was needed.

“The decision about whether to go to a red warning is one that’s made based on what the impacts are likely to be.

“What our expert forecasters will be doing is talking to the council, talking to people on the ground about what the impacts are expected to be from the amount of rain we’re forecasting, and then together they’ll make the decision about whether a red warning is appropriate.

“With the heavy rain, we’re looking out for the risk of surface flooding, of possibly areas being cut off, and reminding people to avoid floodwaters. If you can avoid travel then that’s for the best.”

Clear the gutters, put anything away that could be a source of danger from wind, Martino said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand